Abstract: A system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object is provided. The system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object, according to the present invention, includes an apparatus and method useful for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on an object such as a pole or roof, and includes one or more triple track rails. Also included are one or more connector brackets that are demountably attachable to the one or more triple track rails and to the object.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing structure for a loading dock opening, consisting of two flexible side seals on opposite sides with a sealing form and mounted in a vertical orientation to a frame, and a curtain-like head seal also affixed to the frame, which is affixed to the loading dock walls. Taken together, the sealing structure sealingly engages the cargo body such that weather elements do not enter the warehouse or truck body but goods can be moved between the cargo body and the warehouse. The seal is deformable but resilient, forming a seal when in contact with the truck cargo body, which has shape memory and stiffness to revert to its original form when it no longer contacts the truck cargo body. The present invention also provides in one embodiment of the present invention, side seals mounted in a vertical orientation on each side of the loading dock entrance, an outer layer forming a sealing shape, typically that of a teardrop, in profile.

Abstract: Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example dock seal includes a backer to couple the dock seal to a wall and a resiliently compressible member supported by the backer. A pliable cover encases the compressible member. The pliable cover has a first end overlapping a second end to define a separable joint that is to be disposed between the backer and the wall when the dock seal is coupled to the wall.

Abstract: Dock seal for use with loading docks are described. An example dock seal includes a compressible body having a front compressible body and a rear compressible body, where the rear compressible body is interposed between the wall and the front compressible body when the dock seal is mounted to the wall. A flexible panel pivotally couples the compressible body to the wall.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel to a pliable cover using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations that run horizontally across the curtain so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.

Abstract: A water runoff deflector for use at a loading dock includes a seal suspended from a wall-mounted frame. A truck can back underneath the deflector so that the seal rests atop the truck's roof. The seal helps prevent water (snow, rain, ice, slush, etc.) on the truck's roof from flowing off the back end of the truck and spilling into the building. The seal helps block any water flowing along the truck's roof toward the doorway of the dock and redirects the flow off to either side of the truck. The deflector can be used in conjunction with or without a conventional dock seal or dock shelter. Unique front and rear bumper designs along with a pivotally yieldable frame make the runoff deflector particularly useful in adapting to trucks of various heights. In some cases, the front bumper includes multiple panels of different rigidity to ensure smooth truck departures.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel to a pliable cover using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations that run horizontally across the curtain so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.

Abstract: A building barrier system wherein a portion of the building barrier system can transition between an erect position and a substantially flat position thereby allowing access to the interior of the structure without having to disassemble the building barrier system and associated method.

Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member.

Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.

Abstract: A system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object is provided. The system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object, according to the present invention, includes an apparatus and method useful for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on an object such as a pole or roof, and includes one or more triple track rails. Also included are one or more connector brackets that are demountably attachable to the one or more triple track rails and to the object.

Abstract: Apparatuses for forming at least a partial seal between an open end of a truck, trailer, or other vehicle and an opening in a building are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for forming at least a partial seal includes a first side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a first side portion of an opening, a second side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a second side portion of the opening, and a head pad assembly configured to extend horizontally adjacent to a top portion of the opening between the first and second side pads. The head pad assembly can include replaceable corner pads positioned on either end of a center pad. The corner pads can be independently attached to the wall of the building and separately removed if replacement is needed.

Abstract: An improved entranceway to an enclosure for people and/or vehicles including a frame having a pair of laterally-spaced side wall portions and a top wall portion which, combined, encompass an inclined pathway. The frame is adapted for contact with an exterior wall of the enclosure and is placed in surrounding relation to a first opening therein, the side wall portions extending outwardly from the exterior wall on opposite sides of the inclined pathway. The inclined pathway and the side and top wall portions cooperate so as to define a second opening distally located to the exterior wall. The first opening has a lower boundary and the second opening has an upper boundary, with the lower boundary being at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary. In use, the presence of a temperature differential within the entranceway causes warmer air to be sustainably trapped in an upper portion of the entranceway and above the upper boundary.

Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A strut runner includes a member extending lengthwise in a first direction, where the member includes an underlying panel and one or more walls that extend from the panel. The member may be configured to at least partially support the panel array while being integrated or directly connected to the underlying structure. Additionally, the strut runner may include one or more peripheral extensions that extend a distance outward from the body.

Abstract: A seal system is utilized with flat, rough, and/or ribbed wall surfaces and includes a top dock pad and two substantially parallel side dock pads, which substantially frame a doorway at a loading dock. The dock pads are secured to the wall by a plurality of mounting brackets. The dock pads include a first foam layer coupled to a rear portion of a backing structure. The first foam layer operates to accommodate, or substantially “fill-in”, any surface irregularities of the building wall surface, such as a rough wall texture and rib surfaces, to provide an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the building and the seal structure. The dock pads also include a second foam layer coupled to a front portion of the backing structure. The second foam layer is employed to create an effective seal between the building and a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof drainage for trucks (I). In order to prevent damage to the loaded goods by water dripping from the roof edge, an adjustable gutter (II) underneath the roof edge is proposed.

Abstract: Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example truck loading dock seal comprising a resiliently compressible side pad supported by a relatively rigid backer and encased within a pliable cover includes at least one flexible lip protruding from the cover to seal a gap that might exist between the backer and the wall to which the backer is mounted. In some cases, the lip is part of the cover and is located where a rear vertical edge of the side pad meets the wall. The flexibility of the lip enables the lip to sealingly conform to a wall having an irregular surface. For additional sealing, a back sheet of the pliable cover includes a touch-and-hold fastener and/or overlapping layers of material that can provide a compressible seal between the wall and the backer.

Abstract: A dock shelter for sheltering a truck or trailer at a loading dock includes an elongate foam pad having a traverse cross-sectional area that is generally L-shaped. To ensure that the pad's wrap-around pliable cover remains generally up against an inside corner of the L-shaped pad, a fiberglass rod, or some other type of stiffening member, is installed along that corner. The cover includes an integral sleeve that contains the rod, while upper and lower fabric end caps help hold the rod snugly in the corner of the pad.

Abstract: The present invention is a entryway protector for use with elevator door jamb panels to protect the surfaces of the panels from sustaining damage from collisions with moving equipment, building materials and furniture. The entryway protector includes the main sections and an angled guide and a minor section which is attached at approximately a right angle. The entryway protector is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to protect the elevator door jamb panel and also to remain in proper position. The entryway protector may be attached to the elevator door jamb panel by suction cups. Preferably the entryway protector is made at a height of approximately forty inches so that two entryway protectors are need for each elevator door jamb panel. Two entryway protectors can be attached together by one or more H clamps.

Abstract: Trailer shelters having foam head and side members are described herein. An over road trailer shelter configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a flexible head curtain configured to extend horizontally along a top portion of an opening in a warehouse or other building. The flexible head curtain can include at least one fabric flap hingeably attached to an exterior surface of a base fabric layer. The fabric flap is configured to protect the head member from damage resulting from repeated trailer contact. A trailer enclosure configured in accordance with another embodiment includes a head member that extends horizontally between first and second side members. Each of the side members and the head member includes a compressible foam portion covered by a fabric portion. In addition, each of the side members supports a flexible side curtain that extends inwardly to seal against the sides of the trailer.

Abstract: A dock seal, such as a header, side seal or draft pad mounted alongside a doorway of a loading dock, comprises a compressible foam core that includes a plurality of slits of insignificant thickness, wherein the slits can be strategically arranged and sized to adjust the seal's compression characteristics at different areas of the seal. In some cases, the slits extend only partially into the foam core so that the core remains intact as a unitary piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing structure for a loading dock opening, consisting of two flexible side seals on opposite sides with a sealing form and mounted in a vertical orientation to a frame, and a curtain-like head seal also affixed to the frame, which is affixed to the loading dock walls. Taken together, the sealing structure sealingly engages the cargo body such that weather elements do not enter the warehouse or truck body but goods can be moved between the cargo body and the warehouse. The seal is deformable but resilient, forming a seal when in contact with the truck cargo body, which has shape memory and stiffness to revert to its original form when it no longer contacts the truck cargo body. The present invention also provides in one embodiment of the present invention, side seals mounted in a vertical orientation on each side of the loading dock entrance, an outer layer forming a sealing shape, typically that of a teardrop, in profile.

Abstract: A seal system is utilized with flat, rough, and/or ribbed wall surfaces and includes a top dock pad and two substantially parallel side dock pads, which substantially frame a doorway at a loading dock. The dock pads are secured to the wall by a plurality of mounting brackets. The dock pads include a first foam layer coupled to a rear portion of a backing structure. The first foam layer operates to accommodate, or substantially “fill-in”, any surface irregularities of the building wall surface, such as a rough wall texture and rib surfaces, to provide an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the building and the seal structure. The dock pads also include a second foam layer coupled to a front portion of the backing structure. The second foam layer is employed to create an effective seal between the building and a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A bottom pad assembly for sealing a bottom opening formed when a vehicle is parked adjacent to a loading dock includes a first mounting bracket positioned adjacent to a first end of a dock opening. A second mounting bracket is positioned adjacent to second end of a dock opening. The second end is displaced a predetermined distance relative to the first end. A bottom pad extends between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket for engaging a rear portion of a vehicle parked adjacent to a loading dock. A clearance space is formed between the bottom pad and a loading dock. The clearance space selectively receives a portion of a leveler for facilitating the loading and unloading of a vehicle when the vehicle is full and the leveler can not be lowered into the vehicle.

Abstract: A seal system is utilized with flat, rough, and/or ribbed wall surfaces and includes a top dock pad and two substantially parallel side dock pads, which substantially frame a doorway at a loading dock. The dock pads are secured to the wall by a plurality of mounting brackets. The dock pads include a first foam layer coupled to a rear portion of a backing structure. The first foam layer operates to accommodate, or substantially “fill-in”, any surface irregularities of the building wall surface, such as a rough wall texture and rib surfaces, to provide an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the building and the seal structure. The dock pads also include a second foam layer coupled to a front portion of the backing structure. The second foam layer is employed to create an effective seal between the building and a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A dock seal, such as a head seal mountable above a doorway of a loading dock, includes a compressible body with a support panel. The compressible body can conformably seal against the rear edge of a vehicle's enclosed trailer as the vehicle backs the trailer up against the seal. The support panel provides relatively dense structure for mounting the seal to the wall of a building. Compared to the horizontal distance that the compressible body projects from the wall, the support panel is ultra-thin to avoid consuming compressible space between the wall and the rear of the trailer. In some cases, a flexible panel suspends the compressible body and its support panel from the wall such that the flexible panel allows the dock seal to move relative to the wall.

Abstract: A truck, trailer or other type of vehicle with a pair of swinging door panels for providing access to a rear cargo bay includes a hinge seal that closes an air gap between the door panels and the side body panels of the vehicle when the door is open. The seal is particularly useful when used in conjunction with a dock shelter at a loading dock. The hinge seal can be mounted to each of the vehicle's rear door panels and sealingly engage the side body panels as the door opens, or the seal can be mounted to the side body panel and sealing engage the rear door panel. In either case, the seal provides substantially no resistance to the operation of the door hinge until just before the door is fully open.

Abstract: A compressible seal for a loading dock includes a pliable heat shield that helps protect the seal from concentrated heat generated by a truck's taillight being pressed against the seal. The seal includes a compressible foam core protected by a tough outer covering. The heat shield is preferably placed against the foam core, just underneath the cover. The shield reflects heat away from the foam and helps disperse the heat over a broader area to reduce the peak temperature of any hot spots.

Abstract: A composite panel assembly comprising at least one modular building unit. The modular building unit of the present invention may comprise two tubes aligned immediately adjacent, oriented parallel to each other, and having an integral connection over at least one portion of their outer circumferences. The volume surrounding the integrated tubes may be coated with a wide variety of function specific structural materials, and yet further, the inner diameter of the tubes may be filled with a wide variety of function specific filler materials. The composite panel assembly may be used in a wide variety of construction applications including, but not limited to, load bearing and impact resistant structures. One such application is a protective shelter that can be assembled in a pre-existing structure using common hand tools. The shelter may be assembled from the inside, and is resistant to both high winds and airborne missiles.

Abstract: A selectively releasable side curtain is provided with at lease one zipper member having a first portion secured to the side pad and a second portion secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. In a second embodiment, a snap stud and snap button member is provided having one snap stud or snap button that is secured to the side pad and a second snap button or snap stud secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. The side curtain is selectively pivotable mounted relative to the side curtain for being selectively moved from an operative position to a storage position. In addition, at lease one threaded fastener is provided and secured to the side pad and the side curtain for selectively, releasable securing the side curtain relative to the side pad.

Abstract: A universal access port includes a specific size opening that is formed through a wall of a conditioning enclosure and located at a specific distance from a floor or mounting surface. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape, but other shapes may also be used. When not in use, the universal access port is covered with a sealing panel. Insertable devices may be efficiently inserted and removed from the universal access port. A perimeter of the insertable device is sized to be sealable inserted into the universal access port. Each insertable device preferably seals with an exterior and interior wall of the conditioning enclosure. Some insertable devices include fixturing devices, windows, manual manipulation devices, junction devices, hinged access doors, wire access devices, temperature modifying devices or air circulation devices.

Abstract: A compressible seal for a loading dock includes a pliable heat shield that helps protect the seal from concentrated heat generated by a truck's taillight being pressed against the seal. The seal includes a compressible foam core protected by a tough outer covering. The heat shield is preferably placed against the foam core, just underneath the cover. The shield reflects heat away from the foam and helps disperse the heat over a broader area to reduce the peak temperature of any hot spots.

Abstract: A water runoff deflector for use at a loading dock includes a seal suspended from a wall-mounted frame. A truck can back underneath the deflector so that the seal rests atop the truck's roof. The seal helps prevent water (snow, rain, ice, slush, etc.) on the truck's roof from flowing off the back end of the truck and spilling into the building. The seal helps block any water flowing along the truck's roof toward the doorway of the dock and redirects the flow off to either side of the truck. The deflector can be used in conjunction with or without a conventional dock seal or dock shelter. Unique front and rear bumper designs along with a pivotally yieldable frame make the runoff deflector particularly useful in adapting to trucks of various heights. In some cases, the front bumper includes multiple panels of different rigidity to ensure smooth truck departures.

Abstract: A wiper seal apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. The wiper seal apparatus includes a seal member which bends toward a support mounted on a warehouse wall when deflected toward the wall, and applies a pressure on the top surface of a parked vehicle to form a seal.

Abstract: A universal access port includes a specific size opening that is formed through a wall of a conditioning enclosure and located at a specific distance from a floor or mounting surface. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape, but other shapes may also be used. When not in use, the universal access port is covered with a sealing panel. Insertable devices may be efficiently inserted and removed from the universal access port. A perimeter of the insertable device is sized to be sealable inserted into the universal access port. Each insertable device preferably seals with an exterior and interior wall of the conditioning enclosure. Some insertable devices include fixturing devices, windows, manual manipulation devices, junction devices, hinged access doors, wire access devices, temperature modifying devices or air circulation devices.

Abstract: At a truck loading dock, a flexible draft shield helps seal a lower inner corner of a dock shelter. Instead of a foam core, the draft shield includes a resiliently flexible frame that supports a pliable cover. In some embodiments, the frame includes a spring steel loop that is able to flex upon being squeezed between two members of the dock shelter. In some cases, the draft shield is hollow and open at the bottom.

Abstract: In order to provide a durable loading dock shelter with an effective seal, the dock shelter is provided with a face panel that is relatively lightweight and firm, yet moveable for sealing against vehicles of various size and position. The face panel can be used as a side curtain or a head curtain. To provide the face panel with durability while minimizing its weight, the face panel is thermoformed of twin sheets of plastic to provide a durable outer shell with a hollow interior. In some embodiments, the face panel is moveable by virtue of an integral living hinge that connects the face panel to a generally stationary support panel.

Abstract: A dock pit for a dock leveler mechanism comprises a pre-cast concrete body including integrally formed side, rear panel and front panels, all forming a continuous perimeter open therethrough to receive the load leveler mechanism. Each side panel has a top edge and the rear panel has a rear edge offset below the of the side panel top edges, whereby a concrete slab poured around the body will abut the rear panel edge with the surface of the concrete slab substantially flush with the top edge of each side panel. The side panels define a recess along their length that is situated between the top edge of the side panel and the rear edge of the rear panel, whereby the concrete slab poured around the pre-cast body will integrate within the recesses on each said side panel. The dock slab can be poured using the pre-cast pit as a form.

Abstract: A dock leveler and installation thereof having a bumper assembly to protect the deck and the lip of the leveler. In one embodiment the dock leveler comprises a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the deck and moveable with the deck. The bumper is selectively moveable to protrude beyond the end of the deck to protect the dock leveler from impact. In another embodiment a dock leveler installation comprises a loading dock having a front face. A dock leveler is mounted at the loading dock and has a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the front face beneath the dock leveler and projecting in front of the lip when the lip is in a pendent position.

Abstract: A dock leveler, for bridging the gap between a loading dock platform and a vehicle at the dock, includes an adjustably overlapping lip and ramp that provide a traffic surface of variable length to accommodate situations where there is only a limited amount of space for the lip to rest on the rear of the vehicle. The lip pivots and translates from a stored, pendant orientation to an operative orientation with a range of extended positions. In the stored position, one edge of the lip protrudes above the deck to inhibit material handling equipment from accidentally driving over the edge of the deck when a vehicle is not parked adjacent the dock leveler.

Abstract: A self-adjusting loading dock seal engages a vehicle and facilitates at least one of loading and unloading thereof relative to a loading dock. The loading dock seal includes at least one dock attachment member, a dock seal member, and at least one spring-loaded adjustment member. The dock attachment member is configured for attachment to a loading dock. The dock seal member is positioned above the dock attachment member and is configured for sealingly engaging a vehicle positioned thereagainst. Each spring-loaded adjustment member operatively connects a dock attachment member to the dock seal member, and is configured for facilitating limited vertical movement of the dock seal member relative to the dock attachment member.

Abstract: A loading dock seal for around a doorway of a building includes a vertically movable side seal and a relatively fixed head seal that are adapted to seal against the rear of a truck. As the truck is loaded or unloaded of its cargo, the resulting weight change on the truck's suspension can cause the truck to raise and lower a few inches. To minimize the truck abrading the side seal, a movable coupling allows the side seal to move with the truck's vertical movement. In some embodiments, the coupling includes antifriction elements, such as rollers and bearing pads, which smoothen the motion of the side seal. Although the head seal is relatively fixed to ensure a positive seal against the face of the building, the head seal is designed to readily deform in response to the truck's vertical movement.

Abstract: An expandable panel assembly for a dock shelter or seal includes a first panel and a second panel, preferably of a blow molded plastic material. The second panel optionally includes a sealing member and is adapted for pivotal movement relative to the first panel along a first axis. The first panel is configured for essentially pivotal movement relative to a dock wall about a second axis.

Abstract: A dock pad for a loading dock includes a heat shield that helps protect the pad from heat generated by an adjacent lamp. The heat shield overlays an exterior surface of the pad, and, in some cases, the heat shield includes a plurality of layers. The thermal conductivity may differ among the layers with one layer having greater thermal conductivity than the exterior surface of the pad and another layer having less thermal conductivity. In some cases, a screen or mesh creates an air gap between the layers.

Abstract: A combined dock seal and shelter structure for a truck loading dock includes a vehicle-engaging seal member that is removably or replaceably attached to a compressible side pad. A backer can be used to help mount the side pad to a wall, adjacent to a doorway. The side pad preferably comprises a resiliently compressible foam core within a pliable cover 4, while the seal member comprises a pliable curtain or semi-rigid panel that are flexible but less compressible than the foam core.

Abstract: A compressible seal for a loading dock includes a pliable heat shield that helps protect the seal from concentrated heat generated by a truck's taillight being pressed against the seal. The seal includes a compressible foam core protected by a tough outer covering. The heat shield is preferably placed against the foam core, just underneath the cover. The shield reflects heat away from the foam and helps disperse the heat over a broader area to reduce the peak temperature of any hot spots.

Abstract: At a truck loading dock, a flexible draft shield helps seal a lower inner corner of a dock shelter. Instead of a foam core, the draft shield includes a resiliently flexible frame that supports a pliable cover. In some embodiments, the frame includes a spring steel loop that is able to flex upon being squeezed between two members of the dock shelter. In some cases, the draft shield is hollow and open at the bottom.